The SABC and the South African Football Association (Safa) say allegations that they have fallen out over a sponsorship agreement are untrue.
The SABC is the broadcast partner and TV rights-holder for Safa and its various national teams. These include Safa’s flagship Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.
Public broadcaster Group Chief Executive Officer Nomsa Chabeli met her Safa counterpart Lydia Monyepao amid claims of a rift.
SABC, Safa meet to iron out differences after our enquiries
The pair ironed out whatever differences they had. This is after Sunday World enquired about allegations that the SABC has not fulfilled its contractual obligation to the football federation. It also allegedly owed Safa around R60-million. The meeting took place at the SABC headquarters in Auckland Park on Thursday.
In a joint statement the parties expressed concern regarding the recent media enquiries, reports that the SABC owes Safa R60m and that their relationship is strained. They denied the allegations and “place it on record that there is no truth in these allegations as the SABC does not owe Safa R60m”.
The relationship has delivered football content for over 30 years
Said Chabeli: “I would like to take a moment to emphasise the significance of the longstanding relationship between the SABC and Safa, which has successfully delivered football content to the South African public for over 30 years.
“This commitment by the SABC to fulfil its public mandate is unparalleled and critical to our shared mission. Our collaboration is essential not only for our ongoing success but also for our national teams. The SABC takes great pride in being a steadfast supporter, consistently profiling key moments for our country and its talent.”
Safa is proud to bring the national teams to South Africans’ living rooms
Monyepao added: “Despite a challenging and often unpredictable period that at times stretched all sporting codes, Safa prides itself on having been able to deliver Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana, junior national teams, coaching activities, referees and numerous other activities to living rooms around the country with the assistance and support of the SABC, our sponsors and other partners. Safa has constantly prepared and presented competitive teams in continental and regional tournaments.
“Among our teams’ achievements, Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2025 Afcon after winning a bronze medal at this year’s tournament for the first time since 2000; Banyana Banyana have qualified to defend their title in Morocco next year at the Women’s AFCON, and our U20 Men’s National Team won the COSAFA Cup thus qualifying for the CAF U20 AFCON in April next year. Our referees continue being called to serve in important CAF and FIFA tournaments and matches, and our technical department is producing more qualified coaches through various coaching courses. All these activities and successes can now be viewed on Safa TV, which is being produced by the SABC, to ensure that we keep the public and our fans well informed.”
